Southwire Examines Cable Pulling Risks and CIC Alternatives for EV Charging Infrastructure
The whitepaper details how pre-assembled Cable in Conduit systems reduce labor demands and eliminate field pulling hazards.
A new whitepaper sponsored by Southwire outlines the technical and safety challenges associated with traditional cable pulling in EV charging site installations, while presenting Cable in Conduit (CIC) as a streamlined alternative.
What Happened
According to the whitepaper authored by Kevin Wahl, Lead Consulting Engineer at CableTechSupport Services, traditional cable pulling remains the most common installation method for large feeder cables in complex routing paths. While preferred for its flexibility and efficiency, the process introduces significant risks, including excessive pulling tension, inadequate lubrication, and improper bend radii, which can damage cables and compromise conductors. These defects may not be apparent until the system is energized, particularly in projects involving multiple bends, vertical risers, or extended underground conduits. To mitigate these issues, the document notes that installers often use cable rollers and corner sheaves to reduce friction and distribute forces, alongside cable pull calculations to ensure maximum tension limits are not exceeded.
Why It Matters
The whitepaper highlights that cable pulling creates hazardous environments for crews due to high tensile forces, with risks of personal injury or death if procedures are not strictly followed. In contrast, Cable in Conduit (CIC) systems combine cable and conduit into a single factory-assembled unit, eliminating the need for separate field cable pulling operations. This approach allows contractors to install raceways and conductors simultaneously, potentially shortening schedules and reducing the demand for skilled labor. By removing the field pulling process, CIC preserves cable integrity and reduces worker exposure to hazards associated with pulling equipment, ropes, and tensioning systems.
The Bottom Line
As electrical infrastructure projects grow in scale, the whitepaper suggests that CIC offers a method to improve productivity and safety while reducing long-term maintenance risks associated with traditional cable pulling methods.
